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I fell in love with the nature and the atmosphere of the country

At UiA, there is less pressure to memorise things. It is one's ability to find the correct information and how to be self-organised that is put to the test.

Alexandra Shuvalova

From Russia

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Alexandra Shuvalova, I am a 20-year-old Sociology student from Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia. My hobbies include playing the violin, travelling and hiking. Other than that, I am interested in sociology and ecology.

Why did you choose Norway?

I visited Norway for one hour when I attended summer school in Finland on the border of Finland, Sweden and Norway. During this hour in Skibotn I fell in love with the nature and the atmosphere of the country. I told myself that I definitely had to come back here. I specifically chose the University of Agder because it has a lot of activities and a great variety of student organisations.

How was your arrival?

The buddies from ESN were meeting us at the centre and stayed there until 11 pm, so even though I arrived quite late because I missed one of my flights, it all worked out just fine and I did not have any problems.

How is the quality of education of the University?

The way of teaching here at the University of Agder is totally different from my home University. Here there is less stress to memorise things; instead, it is your ability to find the correct information and how to be self-organised that is put to the test. It is easier and harder at the same time, because you have to be able to be your own boss and to self-educate.

What's your favourite place in Kristiansand and why?

I have two favourite areas in Kristiansand. The first is the city center, because it’s really beautiful and has a special atmosphere of a mixture of old and modern buildings, different shops and cafes. The second place is a lake called Jegersberg, which is near the university. Such beautiful nature so close to our dorms, it is a fairytale.

Have you planned any trips?

I have already been to Trolltunga, which was an amazing experience. It was the hardest hiking trip that I have ever done, but it only made it more special. I am soon planning to go to Oslo and to ESN trip to Preikestolen. I am also going to visit a friend of mine, who is on exchange in Paris.